Question

what is the slope of the line that passes through the points (9, -5) and (1, -1)? write your answer in simplest form.

Explanation:

Step1: Recall slope formula

The slope formula between two points $(x_1,y_1)$ and $(x_2,y_2)$ is $m=\frac{y_2 - y_1}{x_2 - x_1}$.

Step2: Identify the points

Let $(x_1,y_1)=(9,-5)$ and $(x_2,y_2)=(1,-1)$.

Step3: Substitute values

$m=\frac{-1-(-5)}{1 - 9}=\frac{-1 + 5}{1-9}=\frac{4}{-8}$.

Step4: Simplify the fraction

$\frac{4}{-8}=-\frac{1}{2}$.

Answer:

$-\frac{1}{2}$